Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
North Lanarkshire Council
Civic Centre, Windmillhill Street
Motherwell
ML1 1AB
UK
E-mail: newhousingsites@northlan.gov.uk
NUTS: UKM84
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00010
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
North Lanarkshire Council - New Build Housing Pathfinder (2023 / 24)
II.1.2) Main CPV code
70121000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
North Lanarkshire Council (the Council) are undertaking an innovative development pathfinder’ approach for the purchase of newly built affordable homes for social housing in North Lanarkshire
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
70121000
70123100
70111000
45211000
45211100
45211300
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM84
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
North Lanarkshire Council (the Council) are seeking to continue their innovative ‘development pathfinder’ approach for the purchase of newly built new affordable homes for social / affordable housing in North Lanarkshire.
The scale of the ambitious new build programme presents a number of delivery challenges, not least in procuring enough homes that meet the required standard and which can be delivered in a cost-effective and timely way. Therefore it is proposed to expand the use of ‘off the shelf’ acquisitions of completed homes from private developers.
A ‘development pathfinder’ approach is proposed whereby the Council would proactively engage with developers about bringing forward private sector housing sites, on which the Council may be able to purchase properties. This approach may bring forward additional affordable homes and reduce both costs and risks associated with the Councils new build programme. It may also be attractive to developers as it could de-risk their investments (by providing a guaranteed buyer for at least some of the homes on a site) and secure their supply chains. It may also enable the development of alternative tenures, including mid-market rent and shared equity. The approach could therefore help stimulate private sector delivery, attracting new jobs and residents into North Lanarkshire
The Council already acquires completed homes from developers on private sector sites as part of developers’ affordable housing policy obligations in the Cumbernauld housing market area and in Ravenscraig, Motherwell. At time of publication of this Prior Information Notice, 123 homes have been purchased in this way with agreement for a further 311 to be purchased in future through AHP and Pathfinder approaches.
Under the development pathfinder approach, the Council would not undertake a formal procurement procedure by issuing tender documentation specifying its requirements for a particular site etc. Instead, the Council would engage directly with the market, providing outline guidance on its ambitions on the location, site mix etc. for acquisition of units in particular geographical areas.
The Council would, in asking developers to come forward with proposed sites, be under no obligation to purchase homes. The Council would, on a case by case basis, have to satisfy itself that it is acting within its powers, reflecting on its obligations under procurement legislation. Any proposals received would be evaluated to ensure value for money can be demonstrated. This approach would by necessity result in less control being exercised by the Council in respect of the design of homes that may be built and the pace of development, relative to those projects where the Council acts as employer in a traditional works contract. Any agreements made with developers will be subject to a ‘longstop’ set out in missives, enabling the Council to break the agreement should the development not be delivered within the required timescales.
To ensure that the Council can effectively engage with interested parties and efficiently consider and respond to any enquiries and proposals made, the Council will employ this approach across North Lanarkshire where there is higher demand and / or a significant re-provisioning programme.
Further information regarding engagement is stated within section VI.3) Additional information of this notice.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
31/03/2024
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
The process for engagement with the market for this development pathfinder approach is as follows:
-This advert prepared and placed on the Public Contract Scotland stating that the Council are looking for set numbers of certain sizes of homes within designated Council housing areas.
-Interested parties who feel that they meet the parameters outlined should submit their proposals to newhousingsites@northlan.gov.uk
-All proposals submitted will be assessed by the Council to determine if the proposals meet the Council’s requirements in terms of cost, quality and type of housing
-Following assessment of proposals and any further negotiations, the developer and the Councils Estates team would agree a price that is value for money for the Council. The Council are seeking to secure a bulk purchase discount that would be negotiated in a site by site basis.
-Missives would be agreed between the developer and the Council.
-Payment method would be agreed between the developer and the Council with methods such as turnkey purchases or payment at agreed stages being considered on a site by site basis.
Proposal Requirements and Assessment
Proposals received will be evaluated to determine if the they meet the Council’s requirements over a number factors including (but not limited to) cost, quality, locality and type of housing.
All proposals received by the Council will be assessed in an equal, fair and transparent manner to ensure sites proposed meet the demands of the Council.
Proposals must be:
-for sites designated as suitable for housing in the current or emerging Local Development Plan https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building/development-plans
-of the right type and in the right location to meet housing needs of the Council;
-for homes which meet the required accessibility and sustainability standards for new social homes (Housing for Varying Needs and Silver Aspects 1 and 2 or their industry standard equivalents);
Other Requirements
-Company must own or have an option on the site.
- There is now a legal requirement for automatic fire suppression systems in all new social housing dwellings. The revised standards and supporting guidance apply to all building warrants submitted on or after 1 March 2021
-Site must already be allocated to housing use.
-If wheelchair provision is possible then this would be a plus point.
Interested parties should be aware that this Prior Information Notice is being issued by the Council for the purposes of communicating its requirements with the wider supply market. The Councils requirement is not subject to the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 by virtue of Regulation 11.1(a).
The Council reserves the right to clarify and seek additional information in regards to any proposals received.
The Council is under no obligation acknowledge receipt, clarify, accept, provide feedback or respond to any proposal that may be received.
The deadline for submitting proposals is 31st March 2024.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=732865.
(SC Ref:732865)
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
22/05/2023